PANSCHOOL NURTURES NEW STEELBAND @ EUMUNDI MARKETS

Members of the popular Pantastic Steelband, regular performers at Eumundi Markets, will be taking to the stage at the markets this Saturday 27 March. But it will be a performance with a difference -- they'll be sharing the stage with steelpan students.

Founding member of the Pantastic Steelband and Panschool Director Matt Davies says this Saturday will be a special opportunity for all performers.

"For our students it's an opportunity to showcase some of the music that they have been learning over the last year. And what better place to show off their newfound musical talents than Eumundi Markets," says Matt.

"Panschool is proud to have a chance to show how are students are progressing," he says.  

"Visitors to the market will have an opportunity to see and learn about steelpans, and, if they are interested, we can take their details and email them information on where and when they can join a Panschool class".

The band will be setting up from 10am, with their first performance scheduled for 11am on Saturday.

Panschool is a unique program on the Sunshine Coast, offering, for the first time, an opportunity for students to learn to play steelpans (also known as steel drums).

Originating on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, steelbands have become very popular throughout North America, Britain and many European countries during the last 25 years. However, they are almost non-existent in Australia... with the exception of The Pantastic Steelband.

Matt explains that one of the main reasons for this deficit has been the cost of importing the instruments and the absence of skilled tuners to maintain them. He says Panschool has tackled this problem by inviting Lennox Jordan, a second-generation Trinidadian steelpan maker/tuner to become an Australian resident.

"For the first time Australia now has a resident steelpan maker and tuner which means that we have the capacity to produce the full range of steelpan instruments at an affordable price," says Matt. "Lennox is a highly regarded arranger and band leader with a lifetime of experience working in steel orchestras".

With Lennox's expertise, Panschool directors Sharon Brown and Matt Davies are confident that their goal of establishing strong, community based steelbands throughout the Sunshine Coast will become a reality in the near future.

Panschool offer ongoing classes and one-off workshops between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.